HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-41 Proposition 110 "Let's Go Colorado" to increase Funding for Statewide and Local Transportation NeedsRESOLUTION NO. 41
Series of 2018
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 110 "LET'S GO, COLORADO" TO
INCREASE FUNDING FOR STATEWIDE AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail (the "Town"), in the County of Eagle and State of
Colorado is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
the State of Colorado and the Town Charter (the "Charter");
WHEREAS, the members of the Town Council of the Town (the "Council") have been
duly elected and qualified;
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2018, state voters will have the opportunity to support a
measure to increase the state sales tax by 0.62% for twenty years, or about six cents on a
ten -dollar purchase, for statewide and local transportation needs;
WHEREAS, a modern, safe, and efficient 21st century transportation system is
essential to Colorado's quality of life and the health of our economy;
WHEREAS, annual state transportation spending per driver, adjusted for inflation, is
about half of what it was during 199111992 --the last time that the state and federal gas taxes
were raised --while Colorado's population has grown nearly 60 percent since that time; and
WHEREAS, the increased demands on Colorado's transportation infrastructure has
resulted in increased traffic congestion, safety concerns, air pollution, and lost worker
productivity;
WHEREAS, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has identified $9
billion in much needed statewide transportation projects that lack funding;
WHEREAS, Eagle County has identified a significant shortfall in the funding
necessary to maintain its transportation infrastructure, ensure safety, and meet mobility
needs;
WHEREAS, the failure to maintain roads and bridges adequately costs Coloradans
an average of $468 per driver per year due to damage and unnecessary wear -and -tear to
vehicles;
WHEREAS, addressing Colorado's transportation funding challenges requires a
dedicated, sufficient, and guaranteed stream of revenue at the state and local levels;
WHEREAS, a bipartisan, statewide group of local elected officials and business
leaders has proposed to raise the state sales tax by 0.62 percent, or about six cents on a
ten -dollar purchase, for transportation needs;
WHEREAS, Proposition 110 could be expected to raise $767 million in its first year
and allow for the bonding of $6 billion for state transportation projects;
WHEREAS, of the revenue generated by Proposition 110, 60 percent would be
directed to statewide transportation projects, multimodal transportation investments, and
bond repayment. Two examples of high profile, regional priorities for Eagle County residents,
workers, and visitors with a $234.5 million funding commitment include:
Resolution No. 41. Series 2018
1-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes, Phase 1
1-70 West: Dowd Canyon Interchange; and
WHEREAS, the remaining 40 percent of new revenue would be allocated equally
between county and municipal governments and made available for multimodal capital or
operational expenses as determined by local transportation needs. Potential projects
include:
• New roundabouts along Highway 6 in West Edwards
• Road and pedestrian safety improvements along Highway 6 in Eagle and
Gypsum
• Road and signal improvements at Highway 82 and EI Jebel Road
• Road and safety improvements along Frying Pan Road
• Eco Transit bus fleet electrification
• Improved Eco Transit Park 'n Ride facilities
• Expanded Eco Transit routes and commuter service
• Eagle River Valley Trail completion
• Increased bike share programming throughout valleys; and
WHEREAS, Eagle County and its communities are expected to receive over $58.5
million in state transportation funding for local projects over the next 20 years from this
revenue source, which will help bring an estimated $293 million in additional transportation
funding to improve Eagle County mobility;
WHEREAS, local revenues can also be used to leverage state dollars for these local
projects; and
WHEREAS, Eagle County Government will continue to work with CDOT through the
Intermountain Transportation Planning Region process to identify, prioritize and fund
additional transportation projects and multimodal transportation investments that are vital to
Eagle County interests.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN
OF VAIL, COLORADO THAT:
Section 1. The Council hereby endorses Proposition 110 as a strong solution to
address Colorado's transportation funding shortfalls and provide for the mobility needs of all
Eagle County residents, workers, and visitors.
INTRODUCED, PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of th Town Council
of the Town of Vail held this 16th day of October, 2018.
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Resolution No. 41, Series 2018 � IP
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